Thursday, July 30, 2015

I have had granny square earrings on my mind for quite some time now, and even bought some red and blue/green crochet thread from Hobby Lobby a while back when it was on sale, but it has taken me this long to put this together. Having one day a week to showcase a new jewelry DIY makes it much easier to get them done - sometimes I have trouble deciding which one to do!Anywho, you could work this pair of earrings in multiple colors, or just the solid color as I have done. I was going to make the first pair a bi-colored pair, but after working the first round, I thought there really wasn't enough there to add a second strand of thread in - maybe you are more comfortable working with the thread? I haven't done too much with thread yarn.These earrings are easy to work up and work up fairly quickly, are flexible, very lightweight and have a fun finishing with the frame.Alternatively, you could make a larger granny square and use it as a pendant for a necklace :)Materials: - Small Amount of #10 Crochet Thread - I used artiste 100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton in Jade Blue and Poppy Red - Hobby Lobby - 2.35mm Crochet Hook - Small Tapestry Needle for Weaving in Ends - I used a #22 - Small Amount of soft 7 Mesh Plastic Canvas - Hobby Lobby - 2 Earring Wires - I used the 20mm Stainless Steel Ear Wires from AliCsSupplyShop - Jewelry PliersMaterial Notes: With one skein of thread, you could make practically a million earrings ;) I used #10 crochet thread, but you really could use and thread like #3 size or embroidery floss to make a pair of earrings too. You could also use sock weight, baby weight or even DK weight yarns. They may work up in a different size though, so just keep track of that. I used clear plastic canvas, but you could easily use any color you have on hand. I suggest using a soft plastic canvas and not the stiff as you want to have the flexibility for cutting and you don't want the edges to be poking out of your earrings.Time Spent: I was able to work up the smaller pair in just over half an hour, and the larger pair in about an hour.Measurements: The smaller square measures 1.75" across square center, but dangles 2.5", and the larger square measures 2.25" across square center, but dangles 3.25".Gauge:With artiste #10 Cotton Thread and a 2.35mm Hook = 1" x 1" Chain 10, DC in the 4th stitch, and in each stitch across. (8 DC) R2 - R3: Chain 2, turn. DC in the 2nd stitch, and each stitch across. Fasten Off.

Abbreviations: SC - Single Crochet DC - Double CrochetPattern Notes: I have a photo tutorial on How to Work a Granny Square. Beginner friendly. In the pattern section, you'll find two sizes. If work up the larger size, continue on to Round 3; if not, skip over Round 4 and proceed to the frame. To work the frame, hold your crocheted piece up to the frame (cut to my measurements if following along, or customized to your crocheted piece), and work through both "layers" at once, beginning in the granny square and through the frame.

To Open Loop of Earring Wire:

Grab one end of your earring wire with your round nose pliers.

You will need to grab the other end with another pair of pliers or your fingers for leverage and stability.

Pull open the loop TOWARDS you, not side to side.

Close the same way.

Pattern: Chain 5. Join to form a ring. Chain 2 (doesn't count as a stitch), (3 DC into the ring, chain 3) 3x, 3 DC into the ring, chain 2. Join to first DC.R2: Slip stitch over to the chain space. Chain 2 (counts as 1 stitch), 2 DC into the chain space, chain 3, 3 DC into the same chain space, chain 1, (3 DC in the next chain space, chain 3, 3 DC into the same chain space, chain 1) 3x. Join to the first DC. Loosely slip stitch over to the corner.FOR LARGER ONLY: R3: Slip stitch over to the chain space. Chain 2 (counts as 1 stitch), 2 DC into the chain space, chain 3, 3 DC into the same chain space, chain 1, 3 DC into the next chain space, chain 1, (3 DC in the next chain space, chain 3, 3 DC into the same chain space, chain 1, 3 DC into the next chain space, chain 1) 3x. Join to the first DC. Loosely slip stitch over to the corner.

The reason I added the plastic canvas frame was because

my finished granny square was not really laying flat, and since I am

not a blocker, I thought of the frame so it would keep it's shape

and still be lightweight and flexible.

Cut a 10 x 10 piece of plastic canvas out for the smaller square, and a 13 x 13 piece of plastic canvas out for the larger square; then cut all of the insides out so you are left with just the outer frame. This should be about the size of your granny square unstretched.

To begin, hold your crocheted piece up to the square, and beginning in the corner:

Smaller Frame:

Chain 1, 3 SC into the chain space, 2 SC into each stitch and chain space over to the next corner, (4 SC into the corner, 2 SC into each stitch and chain space over to the next corner) 3x, 1 SC into the beginning corner. Join to the first SC. Larger Frame:Chain 1, 4 SC into the chain space, 2 SC into each stitch and chain space over to the next corner, (6 SC into the corner, 2 SC into each stitch and chain space over to the next corner) 3x, 2 SC into the beginning corner. Join to the first SC. Loop: Chain 3, slip stitch into the same stitch.Fasten Off and Weave in Ends.

Open loop of jump ring, and hook into loop.

Please feel free to make and sell your own Framed Granny Square Earrings using this pattern, but please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern, and DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead.

With so many size, yarn type and color options, I would love to see them! Please share your photos on my EyeLoveKnots Facebook page!I am on Ravelry! Check out the EyeLoveKnots Ravelry page to keep track of all your EyeLoveKnots favorites in your que, and share your WIPS and finished projects!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!Don't Crochet but Interested in Purchasing a Pair of Granny Square Earrings? I will be slowly adding these into my EyeLoveKnots Etsy shop. I am happy to customize these earrings in any size and color of your choice. View color options here: artiste 100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

I have recently discovered a new way of working crochet projects in the round, and I would like to share it with you! Especially since I will be sharing a coaster project next week (and many other projects in the future) that use this technique.

This technique works anytime working projects in the round in which you are joining at the end of your rounds and chaining to begin the next round.

This technique will not eliminate your seam, but it will keep it straight, which definitely helps to hide it if you are able to keep it out of view on the side or back of a project.

In this sample, I am using Lily Sugar n Cream in Rose Pink, J10/6mm Crochet Hook, and Half Double Crochets (HDC), but this technique is the same with any yarn, hook size and stitch of choice.

I also have a tip to share with you to aid in the weaving in of tougher yarns, such as cotton and bulky/chunky.

ROUND 1:

1 - You can certainly begin this with a magic ring or chain-and-join to form a ring, but I think working the beginning as a chain and then working into it helps keep the tension looser (which will keep your circle flat).

To to begin this sample:

Chain 3.

2 - Work 10 HDC into the first chain.

If you were using single crochets, begin with a chain 2,

and chain 4 if using double crochets).

3 - I also recommend keeping a longer than usual tail in the beginning because as you work into the chain, that chain will stretch and you will need the extra.

Once you've completed the number of stitches needed for the first round, in this case 10, pull the tail to close up the hole.

4 - Slip stitch join to the first HDC, not the beginning chain.

ROUND 2:

1 - Chain 1.

If working in single crochet, chain 1 as well; chain 2 if using double crochets.

Also, if you have a tigher tension and the ends of your round are cupping, add an extra chain to your beginning chain.

2 - When increasing, you would normally work two stitches into the same stitch. To keep your seam straight, we will work our increases on either side.

Continue with the round as: 1 HDC into the first stitch, 2 HDC into each of the next 9 stitches...

3 - Work the final HDC (which is the second to your increase), into the last stitch (which also happens to be the first stitch, just on the other side of it).

4 - Slip stitch join to the first HDC.

*You will work the remaining rounds in a similar method.

ROUND 3:

1 - Chain 1.

2 - 1 HDC into the first 2 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next stitch) 9 times...

3 - Work the final HDC into the last/first stitch.

4 - Slip stitch join to the first HDC.

ROUND 4:

1 - Chain 1.

2 - 1 HDC into the first 3 stitches, (2 HDC into the next stitch, 1 HDC into the next 2 stitches) 9 times...

Monday, July 27, 2015

**This link up will last through Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00pm EST. The giveaway will also last through this time. We encourage you to come back daily for a new chance at earning more entries, and continuing to link up your projects! Enjoy your summer! And thank you for being a part of our Yarn Fanatic family :)Though I do not have any Yarn Favorites or the Most Clicked for you today, I will have a fun round up for you Saturday, featuring previous Yarn Fanatic Party entries :)This week I will be sharing:

This Week's Giveaway is sponsored by NeverEnoughThymeYarn. One very lucky winner will receive five (5) mini skeins of the Wild Melon collection. Skeins included are 90 yards each, superwash (yay!) and merino/nylon fingering weight. This is such a great deal, and full of such beautiful colors! Use this yarn to create some socks, a shawl, mitts, and other fun, lightweight projects.Outside of the giveaway, this set is available for purchase: Wild Melon Mini Set 5 Skeins for $30 - what a steal!Make sure to visit the NeverEnoughThymeYarn Shop to check out the other beautiful hand-dyed yarns! Other mini skein sets include: Harbor, Harvest, Dahlia and Tropical Oasis to name a few.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must be 18 Years or Older to enter. US only. Void where prohibited. Winner has 48 hours to respond to notification, or another winner will be chosen. Social media not affiliated with this giveaway. Katie & Jayne of NeverEnoughThymeYarn are responsible for prize fulfillment, not EyeLoveKnots nor The Philosopher's Wife.

Call for Contributors!

Are you a pattern designer - Crochet, knit, plastic canvas, embroidery, latch hook, pom pom crafts, and other yarny crafts... Or do you design yarn related graphics, shirts, buttons, printables, tote bags? Maybe you are a yarn dyer? Or perhaps you have a really large yarn stash and you are looking to do a de-stashing of them? We are in need of giveaway sponsors for the Yarn Fanatic Party! If you are interested in teaming up with Rachel of The Philosopher's Wife and I to sponsor a giveaway at one of our parties, PLEASE send Rachel an email!

Join the Party!

The Yarn Fanatic Party will begin every Monday afternoon, and run through Sunday night. You have all week and weekend to post your fantastic yarn related projects!

Please share projects that are family friendly, and YARN RELATED; ie Crochet, Knit, with an extension to include Cross Stitch, Needlepoint on Plastic Canvas and Embroidery.Also make sure you are linking up to your blog post, and just just your blog's home page.

We encourage you to:

*Become a Follower of the blog where you linked up. Following both is also greatly appreciated!

Features will be chosen weekly. By linking up, you give us permission to feature your item.*If you don't have a blog, you can still share with us by creating a Free Flickr Account - powered by Yahoo. Add your projects there, and then come back here with the link for the project.*Link ups cannot be to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where patterns are sold. You can link to blog posts, Flickr or Facebook pages, Pins, etc that are directed towards it, but can't directly link to it. To be clearer though, Raverly pages of finished projects are okay to share. Sorry for the inconvenience! That's per InLinkz guidelines. Thanks!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

On Thursday night, I decided I was going to work up a new pair of earrings to go with my Friday outfit, and a pair for my Saturday outfit. The problem? I had two potential outfits for each day. Hehe. Well, I worked up a new plastic canvas pattern for a simple pair of earrings in a few different color schemes to match the potential outfits. After two takes of this pair of earrings, I am very happy with them! And with A TON of color combinations, it's practically endless.

This simple design would also make a neat necklace pendant (especially the large size), magnet/s, or for other round-ish designs. You could even use them in scrapbooking and card making.

Materials: - Small Amount of Worsted Weight Yarn - I used less than 75" for each earring, and Red Heart Super Saver in Black, Medium Purple and Charcoal, and Red Heart Soft in Guacamole

Material Notes:Yarn Alternatives: Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice, Bernat Super Value, Caron One Pound, Hobby Lobby's Crafter's Secret I used clear colored plastic canvas but you could definitely cut out the same shape from colored canvas and leave it unstitched.Time Spent: I was able to stitch up the small in 10 minutes, the medium in 16.25 minutes and the large in 25 minutes each earring. With assembly and per earring: Small, 13 minutes; Medium, 16.75 minutes; Large, 26.5 minutes.Measurements: The small one is just shy of 1.5" wide by 2.5" in length, the medium is just about 2.25" wide by 2.5" in length, and the large is 2.75" in length by just shy of 2.5" wide. Length measurements are dangling measurements.

Pattern Notes: If you need help with cutting or stitching, check out my Small Plastic Canvas Hearts post. If you don't like the way your carried yarn looks on the back of your finished piece, you can add a piece of felt, just make sure you don't glue it too high as you will still want to get the jump rings through the holes in the center top. I didn't, as I like the way it looks and it isn't really visible to anyone.

To Open a Jump Ring:

Grab one end of your jump ring with your round nose pliers.

You will need to grab the other end with another pair of pliers or your fingers for leverage and stability.

Pull open the jump ring TOWARDS you, not side to side.

Plastic Canvas Pattern:

Large (top) is 15 holes by 15 holes, Medium (middle) is 12 holes by 12 holes and Small (bottom) is 9 holes by 9 holes.

Work the slashes as continental stitches. Whipstitch around the edges after.

I like to work two stitches per hole when working the whipstitch. On the Large and Small ones, I worked one of each color at the intersections of the colors - shown by dashed lines.

Dots at top center/s indicate where to attach jump rings to.

Earring Tutorial:

1 - Open and begin attaching jump rings at the top corner - I attached two jump rings together for added security.

2 - 4 - Continue to attach jump rings.

For the medium and large ones, I attached two levels of jump rings, and for the small, I attached four levels of jump rings - DON'T close the last one yet!

5 - Put on the earring wire. Close jump ring.

Repeat for second earring. Experiment with colors and sizes. What fun!

Please feel free to make and sell your own Roundish Plastic Canvas Earrings using this pattern, but please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern, and DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead.

With so many color options, I would love to see them! Please share your photos on my EyeLoveKnots Facebook page!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!

Interested in Purchasing Your Own Roundish Plastic Canvas Earrings?

I will be adding some to my EyeLoveKnots Etsy shop, but feel free to send in your custom requests :)

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

I have had this slouchie hat on my list of things to make for a while now. I want to thank Christine for requesting it! It's the motivation I needed to get my notes in order, photos taken and edited and post put together.Materials: - 250 yards of Worsted Weight Yarn - I used one skein of Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn in Dakota - I9/5.5mm Crochet Hook - Tapestry Needle for Sewing Up and Weaving In Ends - I used a #18Material Notes:Yarn Alternatives: Red Heart's With Love. Any worsted weight yarn will work, just make rectangle to size.Time Spent: I worked up this hat in about two hours; two hours and 15 minutes for the larger size.Measurements: Main size fits the average adult head size. It measures 20" around to fit a 22" circumference, and 11" in length. Parenthesis shows stitch count for larger size which measures 22" around to fit a 24" circumferece, and 11" in length.Gauge:With I Love This Yarn and an I9/5.5mm Hook = 4" x 4" Chain 16, DC in the 4th stitch, and in each stitch across. (14 DC) R2 - R8: Chain 2, turn. DC in the 2nd stitch, and each stitch across. Fasten Off.Abbreviations: SC - Single Crochet DC - Double CrochetPattern:SC 67 (73). Chain 1, turn. (SC, DC) in the second chain, [skip the next stitch, (SC, DC) in the next stitch] across. [33 (36) clusters]R2 - 31: Chain 1, turn. (SC, DC) in the second stitch, [skip the next stitch, (SC, DC) in the next stitch] across.

Fold piece in half so wrong side is facing you - you will turn the piece inside out later.

My wrong side was on the opposite side of the work, and that's okay. Chaining 1 will give you enough leverage to work the join. Working through both layers of the crocheted piece, begin slip stitching across creating the seam for the hat.

At the end of the row, cut a long tail for sewing.Pull up on the loop so it creates a single tail. Thread into a needle.Turn piece 90 degrees to the right so you are working across the opposite end of the foundation chain. Take your needle in and out of the posts and skipped stitches, similar to threading a drawstring.At the end of the round, pull the yarn tight to close up the hole. Use the remaining yarn to sew up the hole. When you are satisfied with the close and weaving of your tail, fasten off.

Turn the hat inside out, and enjoy your new hat :)

Please feel free to make and sell your own Slanted Shell Adult Slouchie Hats using this pattern, but please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern, and DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead.With so many size, yarn type and color options, I would love to see them! Please share your photos on my EyeLoveKnots Facebook page!I am on Ravelry! Check out the EyeLoveKnots Ravelry page to keep track of all your EyeLoveKnots favorites in your que, and share your WIPS and finished projects!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!Don't Crochet but Interested in Purchasing a Slanted Shell Slouchie Hat? I will be slowly adding these into my EyeLoveKnots Etsy shop. I am happy to customize this hat in any size and color of your choice. View color options here: I Love This Yarn.You May Also Like...

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Welcome to the 46th Yarn Fanatic Link Party, and my 29th as co-host, alongside Rachel from The Philosopher's Wife.**This link up will last through Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00pm EST. The giveaway will also last through this time. We encourage you to come back daily for a new chance at earning more entries, and continuing to link up your projects! Enjoy your summer! And thank you for being a part of our Yarn Fanatic family :)Also be on the look our for project round ups from previous Yarn Fanatic Parties. I am excited to put some together! And share to with you!This week I have been chugging away with the shorter amount of time I have had this week. I wasn't able to get anything up on the blog, but I have two posts already written up with photos edited and scheduled. Be on the look out for:

Bella from Lunamon Design. This tunic is so pretty! If you are a regular here at EyeLoveKnots, you know just how much I LOVE the knit look! This Bella tunic is no exception. The yarn used sounds soft and lightweight - perfect for this time of year. Link to knit pattern included.Crochet Jar Cover from Penny Hill. What a beautiful, simple and quick project to add to your home decor. It's a little touch that can greatly bring up the feel of the room. It would also make a great gift. Last month I bought flowers and pretty vases for my cousin and aunts birthday. This would have been a nice touch to the vases.EyeLoveKnots Yarn Favorites:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Triangle Cushions from Atelier Marie Lucienne. Marjan always creates such beautifully colored crocheted items. I am in love with this trio of crocheted cushions, especially the neat shape of the triangle one.

Crocheted Paillette Necklace from KBB Crafts. I LOVE THIS!! I have been looking at crocheted beaded necklaces over the last few days and I attempted two bracelets and didn't have much luck with them because the beads were not sitting right, and were on the wrong side of my work but this post has inspired me to try again! I just need a teeny tiny crochet hook. Oh, I am so excited!

Rainbow Road Scarf from The Knot Theorist. This scarf is just so beautiful! The color pattern with the sequins are so lovely! I want to head right over to my local Hobby Lobby to pick up some of this yarn! Link to crochet pattern included.

Hoop Art from My World of Crochet. This is such a fun addition to any wall! But especially this summer as it is full of fun, bright colors and a pretty summery looking flower pattern. Link to free crochet pattern included.

Attach some hanging beads and this could pass as a dream catcher.

Fleece Comforter Hippopotamus from A Dream Around the World. These little fleece blankets are soooooo adorable! I hope I get invited to a baby shower soon so I have an excuse to work up a few of these! Link to free crochet pattern included.

Lily Pond Square from Hakelfieber. These Lily Pond Squares are so pretty! I definitely need to work up an afghan using these and a frog (or two) amigurumis. Link to free crochet pattern included.

This Week's Giveaway is sponsored by NeverEnoughThymeYarn. One very lucky winner will receive five (5) mini skeins of the Wild Melon collection. Skeins included are 90 yards each, superwash (yay!) and merino/nylon fingering weight. This is such a great deal, and full of such beautiful colors! Use this yarn to create some socks, a shawl, mitts, and other fun, lightweight projects.Outside of the giveaway, this set is available for purchase: Wild Melon Mini Set 5 Skeins for $30 - what a steal!Make sure to visit the NeverEnoughThymeYarn Shop to check out the other beautiful hand-dyed yarns! Other mini skein sets include: Harbor, Harvest, Dahlia and Tropical Oasis to name a few.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must be 18 Years or Older to enter. US only. Void where prohibited. Winner has 48 hours to respond to notification, or another winner will be chosen. Social media not affiliated with this giveaway. Katie & Jayne of NeverEnoughThymeYarn are responsible for prize fulfillment, not EyeLoveKnots nor The Philosopher's Wife.

Call for Contributors!

Are you a pattern designer - Crochet, knit, plastic canvas, embroidery, latch hook, pom pom crafts, and other yarny crafts... Or do you design yarn related graphics, shirts, buttons, printables, tote bags? Maybe you are a yarn dyer? Or perhaps you have a really large yarn stash and you are looking to do a de-stashing of them? We are in need of giveaway sponsors for the Yarn Fanatic Party! If you are interested in teaming up with Rachel of The Philosopher's Wife and I to sponsor a giveaway at one of our parties, PLEASE send Rachel an email!

Join the Party!

The Yarn Fanatic Party will begin every Monday afternoon, and run through Sunday night. You have all week and weekend to post your fantastic yarn related projects!

Please share projects that are family friendly, and YARN RELATED; ie Crochet, Knit, with an extension to include Cross Stitch, Needlepoint on Plastic Canvas and Embroidery.Also make sure you are linking up to your blog post, and just just your blog's home page.

We encourage you to:

*Become a Follower of the blog where you linked up. Following both is also greatly appreciated!

Features will be chosen weekly. By linking up, you give us permission to feature your item.*If you don't have a blog, you can still share with us by creating a Free Flickr Account - powered by Yahoo. Add your projects there, and then come back here with the link for the project.*Link ups cannot be to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where patterns are sold. You can link to blog posts, Flickr or Facebook pages, Pins, etc that are directed towards it, but can't directly link to it. To be clearer though, Raverly pages of finished projects are okay to share. Sorry for the inconvenience! That's per InLinkz guidelines. Thanks!

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Hello There!

Confession - I am a craft, coffee and cat addict! I love to crochet, make my own jewelry, make cards and invitations, hand write letters, paint, draw, do my nails, hang out on Pinterest, visit with other bloggers, share projects, bake, play with my cat Shiloh... The list goes on and on! Pleasure to meet you, and thanks for joining the journey! Craftedly Yours, Alexandra.

Sharing Policy

I love when you share my projects and recipes! But please be respectful.

Do not copy and paste my posts anywhere, rather you should link to them.

Do not sell my patterns or posts!

You may use one photo with link back when sharing my photos.

Some of my photos are not intended to be shared outside of the blog post, and that is why I have disabled the pinning option within them. These are mostly photos of my family, or the process of working up a project. Please be respectful and do not share these photos without permission from me.

Feel free to sell items made from my patterns and tutorials. Designer credit and a link back is very much appreciated, but not required.

I would love to see your work! Feel free to post to my Facebook page, Facebook.com/EyeLoveKnots.